The Sport
Boat Class was recently set up by a group of sailing enthusiasts who have eyed
a void in the sailing circuit. Boats measuring between 20 and to 30 ft. are
eligible to form part ofthe Sport Boats
category.

The
season opener was sponsored by The Grand Harbour Marina and saw a total of six participating
boats. Although initial plans were to have races spread over Saturday and
Sunday, the inclement weather conditions forecasted for Sunday saw the Class
make the most of Saturday’s favourable conditions and the race committee
managed to conclude five races on the day.

The event welcomed three sport
boats representing the Grand Harbour Marina and their crews included twelve
superyacht captains and their crews. Six pontoon berth holders also sailed on a
free course to Munxar.

Outright
winner of the weekend was Paul Borg Cardona’s “Farr Out”. Borg Cardona and his
crew had five out of five wins on corrected time, though they battled some
serious competition from Robert Ciantar’s “Seriously Bonkers” crew and Adrian Gauci Borda’s “Maltese Musketeers” who gave a consistent performance
throughout to claim second and third place respectively.

"The
weekend gave us a fantastic set of challenging races for Act 1of the Sport Boat
Series! It was great seeing new faces on the water too. Many thanks to the RMYC
and Grand Harbour Marina for supporting the Sports Boat Class event”, enthused
Paul Borg Cardona.

“The aim
of the Sport Boat Class is to provide opportunities for these owners to meet up
and race together. Last year we had two very well attended initial test events,
and this year’s first event was another success with six boats starting off the
weekend races”, commented Robert Ciantar, one of the Sport Boat Class Officials.
“This year we already have a full calendar scheduled, with a weekend racing
event planned practically every month. We hope that the enthusiasm with which
crews were left with after this event, will spill over onto other crews as well
and we will see more boats joining our races. We take this opportunity to thank
the event Race Committee, volunteers, the RMYC for their logistical support and
of course The Grand Harbour Marina for sponsoring and hosting this event”.

The Grand
Harbour Marina treated crews and friends to beers and champagne, compliments of
Bradbury Yacht Concierge and No12 Fine Wines. Local band BNBees livened up the
proceedings with a selection of popular and classic tunes to close off a
successful weekend in style.

The Sport
Boat Class’ next event is scheduled to take place on the weekend of the 24th
February 2018. More information can be found on www.rmyc.org. or on the Royal Malta Yacht Club and Sport
Boat Class – Malta’s Facebook pages